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← Return to Medications for Parkinson's
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I was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome. In February 2022, I had surgery and it ramped up the tremors in my jaw, hands and involuntary movement in my left foot. My neurologist told me it was due to psych meds I was taking to treat bipolar disorder, took me off that drug through the guidance of my psychiatrist, and then it was a waiting game. Since then, it has now been upgraded to Parkinson's disease. I am getting worse even on carbidopa/levodopa. I am devastated because I already have a lot of chronic conditions. This condition is very difficult to deal with because, when under stress, the symptoms get worse and are a "tell" that I am nervous.
Has anyone else had this experience and how do you deal with the fear of being in public?
Replies to "I was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome. In February 2022, I had surgery and it ramped up..."
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Hi @colleenl2008 and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Clinic Connect. Having multiple health problems does make finding the right medication and treatment plan difficult. I'm glad to hear that your neurologist is working with the psychiatrist to get your medications sorted out.
I have found that medication, alone, is not enough to treat PD. There are therapies that can assist with Parkinson's symptoms that may help you. If you have not had PD related Physical Therapy, please ask for a referral for this PT. "Big and Loud" is a PD physical therapy that is great for movement as well as voice problems.
If you can get a referral to a speech therapist, they can also be very helpful in managing any speech or swallowing problems that come with PD. Do you have swallowing problems?
If for any reason, you cannot get physical therapy go online to YouTube and type in "Exercises for PD" and "Voice Exercises for PD." You will find lots of resources there and you can use them as many times during the day as you need them. Also look for short videos of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a great way to help with balance. You can find Tai Chi videos on YouTube also (15 minutes or so) with Tai demonstrations that you can follow.
The use of medication only, will not solve all of the PD symptoms. Exercise is a very, very important adjunct to medication for PD. If you have regular exercise, it improves your symptoms as well as stress that comes with those symptoms.
Are you currently involved with any physical therapy or exercise programs?
Here is my favorite Tai Chi video. It is 20 minutes long, but if you can't do the whole 20 minutes, do as much as you can.